22 INSTANT HEATING & A/C FIXES

Even a beginner can solve common problems—and save money!

- BRAD HOLDEN

When your heating and cooling system isn’t working properly, you might throw up your hands and call for help, thinking that whatever the problem is, solving it must be outside your skill set. Well, you might be surprised: The most common problems have simple solutions. Here are 22 extremely easy fixes that take minutes or less and can save you a wad of cash.

How’s your filter?

A dirty filter causes your system to work harder, resulting in premature failure of parts. A dirty filter can also cause a shutdown. How often your filters need changing depends on many factors. Do you live in a high-traffic zone? Do you have pets? Do you leave the windows open? Write the date on your filter to help keep track of when it needs to be changed. Don’t forget about furnace filters in the summer. They’re also for the A/C.

Start at the thermostat

Most thermostats have a switch so you can set the system to “heat” or “cool.” Make sure yours is set to the proper function.

Run a quick power test

To see if the furnace is getting power, set your thermostat to the “fan” position. If you don’t hear the fan turn on, there’s a good chance there’s no power to the furnace. If there’s power to the furnace, it’s time to check the furnace itself.

Check the circuit breaker

A breaker can trip without fully moving to the “off” position, so flip it to the “off” position, and then back to “on,” to be sure that’s not the issue.

Check inside the furnace